NWSL 2020: Chicago Red Stars vs North Carolina Courage – tactical analysis

North Carolina Courage and Chicago Red Stars took to the pitch in an exciting rematch of the 2019 NWSL final. Although this match scenario was far removed from the championship match many months ago, the tension between the two teams was palpable. North Carolina surprised no one by applying intense and aggressive tactics when out of possession and in the transition to attack. Through analysis, we see that Chicago aimed to meet the hostility head-on through proactive use of their fullbacks in attack. This tactical analysis will look into exactly how it all played out.

Lineups

North Carolina: High press and attacking transition

North Carolina engaged in a typical high and aggressive press throughout the match. The Courage pressed in a player to player-oriented fashion with a priority of maintaining central compactness to force play to the flanks.

An aim of North Carolina, when out of possession, was to force play away from Casey Short, the Red Stars left-back and instead towards the Chicago right flank. This was done by closely marking all players on the Red Stars’ left flank and initially allowing space around Red Stars right-back Bianca St. Georges and central midfielder Danielle Colaprico (who would drop into the defensive line to release St. Georges).